[Cloning and functional analysis of AcFMO from onion during alliine biosynthesis].

Flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO) is the key enzyme in the biosynthesis pathway of CSOs with sulfur oxidation. In order to explore the molecular regulatory mechanism of FMO in the synthesis of onion CSOs, based on transcriptome database and phylogenetic analysis, one AcFMO gene that may be involved in alliin synthesis was obtained, the AcFMO had a cDNA of 1 374 bp and encoded 457 amino acids, which was evolutionarily closest to the AsFMO of garlic. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) indicated that AcFMO was the highest in the flowers and the lowest in the leaf sheaths. The results of subcellular localization showed that the AcFMO gene product was widely distributed throughout the cell A yeast expression vector was constructed, and the AcFMO gene was ecotopically overexpressed in yeast to further study the enzyme function in vitro and could catalyze the synthesis of alliin by S-allyl-l-cysteine. In summary, the cloning and functional identification of AcFMO have important reference value for understanding the biosynthesis of CSOs in onions.

Quantification of quercetin from red onion (Allium cepa L.) powder via high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet (HPLC-UV) and its effect on hyperuricemia in male healthy Wistar albino rats.

Onions (Allium cepa L.) contain various flavonols, including quercetin, kaempferol, anthocyanin, luteolin, and myricetin. Quercetin in onions is considered the primary bioactive component. To assess the impact of quercetin on hyperuricemia in healthy Wistar albino rats, this study used high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet (HPLC-UV) to identify and measure quercetin in onion powder. Twenty-four 160 ± 10 g, six wistar albino male rats in each group were kept: NC (control sample, no onion powder), OT1, OT2, and OT3, which contained 11.13, 14.84, and 18.61 g/100 g onion powder, respectively. The treatment lasted 28 days, during which the last 7 days were for urine, feces, and blood collection. The results showed a trend of decreasing levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein in rats fed OT1, OT2, and OT3 diets. Improvements were observed in feed, water, and nutrient intake, feed conversion ratio, feed efficiency ratio, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, body weight, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and uric acid levels (p ≤ .05). In contrast, high-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, serum total protein, neutrophils, and lymphocytes did not change (p ≥ .05). White blood cells, red blood cell count, platelet count, hemoglobin, and monocytes showed an upward trend. Based on our calculations, we determined the optimal human dosage from the most effective amount of onion powder. By taking into account the ratio of human-to-rat surface area, we estimate that the equivalent human dose of onion is 181.04 grams with 204 mg of quercetin. Additionally, when factoring in the dry matter content, the recommended dose of onion is 29.19 grams with 220 mg of quercetin.

Two-Step Identification of N-, S-, R- and T-Cytoplasm Types in Onion Breeding Lines Using High-Resolution Melting (HRM)-Based Markers.

High-resolution melting (HRM) analysis is a powerful detection method for fast, high-throughput post-PCR analysis. A two-step HRM marker system was developed for identification of the N-, S-, R- and T-cytoplasms of onion. In the first step for the identification of N-, S- and R-cytoplasms, one forward primer was designed to the identical sequences of both cox1 and orf725 genes, and two reverse primers specific to the polymorphic sequences of cox1 and orf725 genes were used. For the second step, breeding lines with N-cytoplasm were evaluated with primers developed from the orfA501 sequence to distinguish between N- and T-cytoplasms. An amplicon with primers to the mitocondrial atp9 gene was used as an internal control. The two-step HRM marker system was tested using 246 onion plants. HRM analysis showed that the most common source of CMS, often used by Russian breeders, was S-cytoplasm; the rarest type of CMS was R-cytoplasm; and the proportion of T-cytoplasm among the analyzed breeding lines was 20.5%. The identification of the cytoplasm of a single plant by phenotype takes from 4 to 8 years. The HRM-based system enables quick and easy distinguishing of the four types of onion cytoplasm.

Molecular marker-based characterization of cytoplasm and restorer of male sterility (Ms) locus in commercially grown onions in India.

BACKGROUND: The cytoplasmic-genic male-sterility system has been extensively employed for the production of onion hybrids. Molecular marker-assisted characterization of the cytotypes and genotyping at the restorer-of male-fertility (Ms) locus is important for the accelerated breeding of onion hybrids. Indian onion breeding has focussed more on open-pollinated varieties than hybrids. To accelerate the breeding efforts, marker-assisted selection (MAS) plays a pivotal role. METHODS AND RESULTS: This study aimed to characterize the Indian breeding lines, varieties, hybrids, and exotic accessions for cytotype and Ms locus. For cytoplasm, cytotype markers, accD, and MKFR and for Ms locus identification, PCR markers AcPMS1 and AcSKP1 were employed. Bulk strategy to identify cytoplasm and Ms locus was tested. Sequencing of PCR products amplified by accD was also tried. Both the accD and MKFR were synonymous in cytoplasm identification except in T821 where T cytoplasm was identified. AcPMS1 was more reliable than AcSKP1 for Ms locus identification. Sequencing proved that N and T cytoplasm are identical. Bulking strategy can be used for cytotype identification but not for Ms locus. CONCLUSIONS: Indian onions have a predominance of normal (N) cytoplasm and homozygous recessive (msms) locus. This might be beneficial for hybrid development. S cytoplasm was identified in exotic varieties. For the first time, T cytoplasm has been reported from India. These findings will assist Indian onion breeders to develop MAS strategies for accelerating hybrid development programs. And for the release of onion hybrids with high productivity and uniformity.

Cytotoxic activity of Nep1-like proteins on monocots.

Necrosis- and ethylene-inducing peptide 1 (Nep1)-like proteins (NLPs) are found throughout several plant-associated microbial taxa and are typically considered to possess cytolytic activity exclusively on dicot plant species. However, cytolytic NLPs are also produced by pathogens of monocot plants such as the onion (Allium cepa) pathogen Botrytis squamosa. We determined the cytotoxic activity of B. squamosa BsNep1, as well as other previously characterized NLPs, on various monocot plant species and assessed the plant plasma membrane components required for NLP sensitivity. Leaf infiltration of NLPs showed that onion cultivars are differentially sensitive to NLPs, and analysis of their sphingolipid content revealed that the GIPC series A : series B ratio did not correlate to NLP sensitivity. A tri-hybrid population derived from a cross between onion and two wild relatives showed variation in NLP sensitivity within the population. We identified a quantitative trait locus (QTL) for NLP insensitivity that colocalized with a previously identified QTL for B. squamosa resistance and the segregating trait of NLP insensitivity correlated with the sphingolipid content. Our results demonstrate the cytotoxic activity of NLPs on several monocot plant species and legitimize their presence in monocot-specific plant pathogens.

The Influence of Plants from the Alliaceae Family on Morphological Parameters of the Intestine in Atherogenic Rats.

Bulbs from the Alliaceae family have been well-known and valued spices for thousands of years, not only for their unique flavor and aroma features, but also for their high nutritional and health-promoting values. Long-term or excessive consumption of these vegetables, especially raw garlic, can have side effects in the body (including in the digestive tract), causing a number of pathological changes in the intestinal wall; these changes lead, in turn, to its damage, dysfunction, and disorder development. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the addition of freeze-dried vegetables from the Alliaceae family, i.e., garlic (Allium sativum L.), white onion, and red onion (Allium cepa L.) on the morphometric parameters (intestinal villi length, crypt depth, thickness of tunica mucosa, and the thickness of tunica muscle) of the jejunum of rats fed a semi-synthetic atherogenic diet (1% dietary cholesterol). In freeze-dried vegetables administered to rats, the contents of selected bioactive ingredients and their antioxidant potentials were determined. The effect of the onion vegetable supplements on growth parameters, serum lipid profile, plasma antioxidant potential, and the intestinal morphological parameters of rats loaded with cholesterol was determined. In an animal experiment, 30 male Wistar rats were divided into 5 diet groups, diet consumption and FER were studied. Supplementation of the atherogenic diet with vegetables improved the blood plasma lipid profiles and atherogenic indices, in a manner that was dependent on the type of supplementation used, with the best hypolipidemic and anti-atherosclerotic effects found in garlic use. The atherogenic diet, as well as the supplementation of this diet with the tested vegetables from the Alliaceae family, influenced the histological changes in the epithelium of the jejunum of rats. The damage to the intestinal mucosa was the greatest in animals fed an atherogenic diet supplemented with garlic. Bearing in mind that the desired beneficial therapeutic or prophylactic effects of onion vegetables (in particular garlic) in the course of various metabolic ailments (including atherosclerosis) are achieved during long-term supplementation, it is important to remember their possible cytotoxic effects (e.g., on the digestive tract) in order to achieve real benefits related to the supplementation with vegetables from the Alliaceae family.

The individual and interactive role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and Trichoderma viride on growth, protein content, amino acids fractionation, and phosphatases enzyme activities of onion plants amended with fish waste.

The Green Revolution faced a great cost to meet ever-increasing demands for food, where indiscriminate use of agrochemicals resulted in non-friendly habitats. Therefore, the development of a sustainable approach to better crop production of onion seeds (Allium cepa L.) is very crucial. It is time to use organic waste as a replacement for agrochemicals by using arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and Trichoderma. Fish waste as representative of food waste acts as a leading cause of contamination of the environment. The interaction of AMF and Trichoderma viride on biomass, total soluble protein, mycorrhizal colonization, amino acids, phosphatases and phosphorus and nitrogen contents of onion plants grown in fish waste amended soil was studied. Fish waste has caused a slight increase in onions biomass, total free amino acids, and soluble protein content while with AMF and T. viride dual inoculation more increments were recorded; such increases were related to an increase in mycorrhizal colonization. T. viride application significantly increased the mycorrhizal colonization levels, but these were significantly reduced with waste addition. Analysis of amino acids in plants showed that their concentrations had changed as a result of waste addition combined with AMF and/or T. viride. The effectiveness of fish waste combined with low cost and health/environmental safety leads to a prediction that the introduction of fish waste coupled with fungi will become a more popular feature of agriculture in the future.

Onion Bulb Extract Downregulates EGFR/ERK1/2/AKT Signaling Pathway and Synergizes With Steroids to Inhibit Allergic Inflammation.

The treatment of allergic diseases, such as asthma, with both conventional and novel therapies presents a challenge both in terms of optimal effect and cost. On the other hand, traditional therapies utilizing natural products such as onion have been in use for centuries with demonstrated efficacy and safety but without much knowledge of their mechanims of action. In this study, we investigated if the anti-inflammatory effects of onion bulb extract (OBE) are mediated via the modulation of the EGFR/ERK1/2/AKT signaling pathway, and whether OBE can synergise with steroids to produce greater anti-inflammatory actions. Treatment with OBE inhibited the house dust mite (HDM)-induced increased phosphorylation of EGFR, ERK1/2 and AKT which resulted in the inhibition of HDM-induced increase in airway cellular influx, perivascular and peribronchial inflammation, goblet cell hyper/metaplasia, and also inhibited ex vivo eosinophil chemotaxis. Moreover, treatment with a combination of a low dose OBE and low dose dexamethasone resulted in a significant inhibition of the HDM-induced cellular influx, perivascular and peribronchial inflammation, goblet cell hyper/metaplasia, and increased the pERK1/2 levels, whereas neither treatment, when given alone, had any discernible effects. This study therefore shows that inhibition of the EGFR/ERK1/2/AKT-dependent signaling pathway is one of the key mechanisms by which OBE can mediate its anti-inflammatory effects in diseases such as asthma. Importantly, this study also demonstrates that combining OBE with steroids results in significantly enhanced anti-inflammatory effects. This action may have important potential implications for future asthma therapy.

Pectin methylesterase selectively softens the onion epidermal wall yet reduces acid-induced creep.

De-esterification of homogalacturonan (HG) is thought to stiffen pectin gels and primary cell walls by increasing calcium cross-linking between HG chains. Contrary to this idea, recent studies found that HG de-esterification correlated with reduced stiffness of living tissues, measured by surface indentation. The physical basis of such apparent wall softening is unclear, but possibly involves complex biological responses to HG modification. To assess the direct physical consequences of HG de-esterification on wall mechanics without such complications, we treated isolated onion (Allium cepa) epidermal walls with pectin methylesterase (PME) and assessed wall biomechanics with indentation and tensile tests. In nanoindentation assays, PME action softened the wall (reduced the indentation modulus). In tensile force/extension assays, PME increased plasticity, but not elasticity. These softening effects are attributed, at least in part, to increased electrostatic repulsion and swelling of the wall after PME treatment. Despite softening and swelling upon HG de-esterification, PME treatment alone failed to induce cell wall creep. Instead, acid-induced creep, mediated by endogenous α-expansin, was reduced. We conclude that HG de-esterification physically softens the onion wall, yet reduces expansin-mediated wall extensibility.

Transposition of a non-autonomous DNA transposon in the gene coding for a bHLH transcription factor results in a white bulb color of onions (Allium cepa L.).

KEY MESSAGE: A DNA transposon was found in the gene encoding a bHLH transcription factor. Genotypes of the marker tagging this DNA transposon perfectly co-segregated with color phenotypes in large F2:3 populations A combined approach of bulked segregant analysis and RNA-Seq was used to isolate causal gene for C locus controlling white bulb color in onions (Allium cepa L.). A total of 114 contigs containing homozygous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) between white and yellow bulked RNAs were identified. Four of them showed high homologies with loci clustered in the middle of chromosome 5. SNPs in 34 contigs were confirmed by sequencing of PCR products. One of these contigs showed perfect linkage to the C locus in F2:3 populations consisting of 2491 individuals. However, genotypes of molecular marker tagging this contig were inconsistent with color phenotypes of diverse breeding lines. A total of 146 contigs showed differential expression between yellow and white bulks. Among them, transcription levels of B2 gene encoding a bHLH transcription factor were significantly reduced in white RNA bulk and F2:3 individuals, although there was no SNP in the coding region. Phylogenetic analysis showed that onion B2 was orthologous to bHLH-coding genes regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway in other plant species. Promoter regions of B2 gene were obtained by genome walking and a 577-bp non-autonomous DNA transposon designated as AcWHITE was found in the white allele. Molecular marker tagging AcWHITE showed perfect linkage with the C locus. Marker genotypes of the white allele were detected in some white accessions. However, none of tested red or yellow onions contained AcWHITE insertion, implying that B2 gene was likely to be a casual gene for the C locus.

Comparative Study of Onion (Allium cepa) and Leek (Allium ampeloprasum): Identification of Organosulphur Compounds by UPLC-QTOF/MS and Anticancer Effect on MCF-7 Cells.

Onion (Allium cepa) and leek (Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum) are common herbs and vegetables found in our daily life. It belongs to the genus Allium, which is usually known for their high antioxidant and anticancer properties. Medical researchers highly recommend the exploitation of herbs and plants as alternative ways in the treatment of cancer. This research was designed to study the anticancer effects of onion and leek extracts on MCF-7 human breast cancer cell. Crude extracts of ethanol, methanol, and water of onion and leek were obtained by maceration. MCF-7 cells were cultured in complete media at 37 °C and subjected to different treatments that involved varying concentrations (10, 50, and 100 µg/mL) of onion and leek extracts for 24, 48, and 72 h of incubation. The percentage of cell viability and the concentration of extracts on MCF-7 cells were determined using MTT assay. The water leek extract proved to be the most effective extract at 50 µg/mL, whereby it showed a significant inhibition ability due to the presence of entadamide A-ß-D-glucopyranoside as identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF/MS). Further studies about the mechanism of both extracts in causing cell death and the determination of the presence of other bioactive compounds in the extracts are needed.

Disentangling loosening from softening: insights into primary cell wall structure.

How cell wall elasticity, plasticity, and time-dependent extension (creep) relate to one another, to plant cell wall structure and to cell growth remain unsettled topics. To examine these issues without the complexities of living tissues, we treated cell-free strips of onion epidermal walls with various enzymes and other agents to assess which polysaccharides bear mechanical forces in-plane and out-of-plane of the cell wall. This information is critical for integrating concepts of wall structure, wall material properties, tissue mechanics and mechanisms of cell growth. With atomic force microscopy we also monitored real-time changes in the wall surface during treatments. Driselase, a potent cocktail of wall-degrading enzymes, removed cellulose microfibrils in superficial lamellae sequentially, layer-by-layer, and softened the wall (reduced its mechanical stiffness), yet did not induce wall loosening (creep). In contrast Cel12A, a bifunctional xyloglucanase/cellulase, induced creep with only subtle changes in wall appearance. Both Driselase and Cel12A increased the tensile compliance, but differently for elastic and plastic components. Homogalacturonan solubilization by pectate lyase and calcium chelation greatly increased the indentation compliance without changing tensile compliances. Acidic buffer induced rapid cell wall creep via endogenous α-expansins, with negligible effects on wall compliances. We conclude that these various wall properties are not tightly coupled and therefore reflect distinctive aspects of wall structure. Cross-lamellate networks of cellulose microfibrils influenced creep and tensile stiffness whereas homogalacturonan influenced indentation mechanics. This information is crucial for constructing realistic molecular models that define how wall mechanics and growth depend on primary cell wall structure.

Transcriptome de novo assembly and analysis of differentially expressed genes related to cytoplasmic male sterility in onion.

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is one of the major vegetables in China and accounts for a large proportion of China's vegetable exports. Onion cytoplasmic male sterility, which is often used in onion breeding, is caused by the interaction between the nuclear genes and the cytoplasm. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of onion cytoplasmic male sterility remains unclear. In this study, we analysed the anther microstructure of the onion cytoplasmic male sterile line SA2 and the onion maintainer line SB2. We found that the pollen abortion in SA2 occurred at the tetrad stage during the microspore development, which was very different from that in SB2. We used the Illumina HiSeq platform to sequence RNA from anthers at the tetrad stage collected from the SA2 and SB2 lines. The RNA sequencing and transcriptome assembly produced 146,413 All-Unigenes. Based on an analysis of the differentially expressed genes, we identified two cytoplasmic control genes, atp9 and cox1, and three nuclear-related genes, SERK1, AG and AMS. These transcriptomic results were also verified by fluorescence quantitative PCR. Our study provides important information about genes related to onion cytoplasmic male sterility, and it will help improve the understanding of the molecular mechanism of onion cytoplasmic male sterility.

Onion (Allium cepa L.) peel extract (OPE) regulates human sperm motility via protein kinase C-mediated activation of the human voltage-gated proton channel.

Onion (Allium cepa L.) and quercetin protect against oxidative damage and have positive effects on multiple functional parameters of spermatozoa, including viability and motility. However, the associated underlying mechanisms of action have not yet been identified. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of onion peel extract (OPE) on voltage-gated proton (Hv1) channels, which play a critical role in rapid proton extrusion. This process underlies a wide range of physiological processes, particularly male fertility. The whole-cell patch-clamp technique was used to record the changes in Hv1 currents in HEK293 cells transiently transfected with human Hv1 (HVCN1). The effects of OPE on human sperm motility were also analyzed. OPE significantly activated the outward-rectifying proton currents in a concentration-dependent manner, with an EC50 value of 30 µg/mL. This effect was largely reversible upon washout. Moreover, OPE induced an increase in the proton current amplitude and decreased the time constant of activation at 0 mV from 4.9 ± 1.7 to 0.6 ± 0.1 sec (n = 6). In the presence of OPE, the half-activation voltage (V1/2 ) shifted in the negative direction, from 20.1 ± 5.8 to 5.2 ± 8.7 mV (n = 6), but the slope was not significantly altered. The OPE-induced current was profoundly inhibited by 10 µm Zn2+ , the most potent Hv1 channel inhibitor, and was also inhibited by treatment with GF109203X, a specific protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor. Furthermore, sperm motility was significantly increased in the OPE-treated groups. OPE exhibits protective effects on sperm motility, at least partially via regulation of the proton channel. Moreover, similar effects were exerted by quercetin, the major flavonoid in OPE. These results suggest OPE, which is rich in the potent Hv1 channel activator quercetin, as a possible new candidate treatment for human infertility.

Higher Antioxidant Activity, Total Flavonols, and Specific Quercetin Glucosides in Two Different Onion (Allium cepa L.) Varieties Grown under Organic Production: Results from a 6-Year Field Study.

We carried out a 6-year study to assess the effect of conventional, organic, and mixed cultivation practices on bioactive compounds (flavonoids, anthocyanins) and antioxidant capacity in onion. Total flavonoids, total anthocyanins, individual flavonols, individual anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity were measured in two varieties ('Hyskin' and 'Red Baron') grown in a long-term split-plot factorial systems comparison trial. This is the first report of repeated measurements of bioactive content over an extensive time period in a single crop type within the same trial. Antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP), total flavonol content, and levels of Q 3,4' D and Q 3 G were higher in both varieties under fully organic compared to fully conventional management. Total flavonoids were higher in 'Red Baron' and when onions were grown under organic soil treatment. Differences were primarily due to different soil management practices used in organic agriculture rather than pesticide/ herbicide application.

Evaluation of polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity in two onion varieties grown under organic and conventional production systems.

BACKGROUND: Onions contain a number of bioactive compounds, in particular polyphenols. They are rich sources of such compounds in the human diet and offer significant health benefits to the consumer. Demand for organic crops is steadily increasing partly based on the expected health benefits of organic food consumption. The current study examines the influence of organic and conventional crop management practices on bioactive polyphenolic content of onion. RESULTS: We examined the effect of conventional, organic, and mixed cultivation practices on the content of total phenolics, total flavonoids and antioxidant activity in two varieties of onion grown over 4 years in a split-plot factorial systems comparison trial. Levels of total phenolics and total flavonoids showed a significant year-on-year variation and were significantly different between organic and conventional production systems. The levels of total phenolics, total flavonoids and antioxidant activity in general were significantly higher (P < 0.05) under fully organic compared to fully conventional management. CONCLUSION: Organic cultivation practices resulted in significantly higher levels of potential bioactive compounds in onion. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Completion of the mitochondrial genome sequence of onion (Allium cepa L.) containing the CMS-S male-sterile cytoplasm and identification of an independent event of the ccmF N gene split.

Cytoplasmic male-sterility (CMS) conferred by the CMS-S cytoplasm has been most commonly used for onion (Allium cepa L.) F1 hybrid seed production. We first report the complete mitochondrial genome sequence containing CMS-S cytoplasm in this study. Initially, seven contigs were de novo assembled from 150-bp paired-end raw reads produced from the total genomic DNA using the Illumina NextSeq500 platform. These contigs were connected into a single circular genome consisting of 316,363 bp (GenBank accession: KU318712) by PCR amplification. Although all 24 core protein-coding genes were present, no ribosomal protein-coding genes, except rps12, were identified in the onion mitochondrial genome. Unusual trans-splicing of the cox2 gene was verified, and the cox1 gene was identified as part of the chimeric orf725 gene, which is a candidate gene responsible for inducing CMS. In addition to orf725, two small chimeric genes were identified, but no transcripts were detected for these two open reading frames. Thirteen chloroplast-derived sequences, with sizes of 126-13,986 bp, were identified in the intergenic regions. Almost 10 % of the onion mitochondrial genome was composed of repeat sequences. The vast majority of repeats were short repeats of <100 base pairs. Interestingly, the gene encoding ccmFN was split into two genes. The ccmF N gene split is first identified outside the Brassicaceae family. The breakpoint in the onion ccmF N gene was different from that of other Brassicaceae species. This split of the ccmF N gene was also present in 30 other Allium species. The complete onion mitochondrial genome sequence reported in this study would be fundamental information for elucidation of onion CMS evolution.

Toxicity mechanisms of onion (Allium cepa) extracts and compounds in multidrug resistant erythroleukemic cell line

Onion (Allium cepa) is being studied as a potential anticancer agent, but little is known regarding its effect in multidrug resistance (MDR) cells. In this work, the cytotoxicity of crude onion extract (OE) and fractioned extract (aqueous, methanolic and ethyl acetate), as well as some onion compounds (quercetin and propyl disulfide) were evaluated in Lucena MDR human erythroleukemic and its K562 parental cell line. The capacity of OE to induce apoptosis and/or necrosis in these cells, the possible participation of oxidative stress and DNA damage were also assessed. Similar sensitivities were obtained for both tumoral cells, however only OE caused significant effects in the cells. In K562 cells, a significant increase of apoptosis was verified while the Lucena cells experienced a significant increase of necrosis. An antioxidant capacity was verified for OE discarding oxidative damage. However, OE provoked similar significant DNA damage in both cell lines. Thus, the OE capacity to overcome the MDR phenotype suggests anti-MDR action of OE.

Alterations in the blood glucose, serum lipids and renal oxidative stress in diabetic rats by supplementation of onion (Allium cepa. Linn).

This study examined the anti-diabetic effect of onion (Allium cepa. Linn) in the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into normal rats fed control diet or supplemented with onion powder (7% w/w) and diabetic rats fed control diet or supplemented with onion powder. Diabetes was induced by a single injection of STZ (60 mg/kg, ip) in citrate buffer. The animals were fed each of the experimental diet for 5 weeks. Blood glucose levels of rats supplemented with onion were lower than those of rats fed control diet in the diabetic rats. Onion also decreased the total serum lipid, triglyceride, and atherogenic index and increased HDL-cholesterol/total cholesterol ratio in the diabetic rats. Glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione S-transferase activities were high in the diabetic rats compared to normal rats and reverted to near-control values by onion. These results indicate that onion decreased blood glucose, serum lipid levels and reduced renal oxidative stress in STZ-induced diabetic rats and this effect might exert the anti-diabetic effect of onion.

Alterations in the blood glucose, serum lipids and renal oxidative stress in diabetic rats by supplementation of onion (Allium cepa. Linn)

This study examined the anti-diabetic effect of onion (Allium cepa. Linn) in the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into normal rats fed control diet or supplemented with onion powder (7% w/w) and diabetic rats fed control diet or supplemented with onion powder. Diabetes was induced by a single injection of STZ (60 mg/kg, ip) in citrate buffer. The animals were fed each of the experimental diet for 5 weeks. Blood glucose levels of rats supplemented with onion were lower than those of rats fed control diet in the diabetic rats. Onion also decreased the total serum lipid, triglyceride, and atherogenic index and increased HDL-cholesterol/total cholesterol ratio in the diabetic rats. Glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione S-transferase activities were high in the diabetic rats compared to normal rats and reverted to near-control values by onion. These results indicate that onion decreased blood glucose, serum lipid levels and reduced renal oxidative stress in STZ-induced diabetic rats and this effect might exert the anti-diabetic effect of onion.